Container filling machine

ABSTRACT

A container filling machine including a revolving assembly having a plurality of dispensing devices for metering a flowable product from a common tank to containers movable with the assembly. Each dispensing device includes a pump and a valve for alternately connecting the pump to the tank and to an associated container; the valve and associated feed conduits of the tank and pump being constructed to afford an essentially constant area flow path between the tank and the pump. The valve is readily disconnected from the revolving assembly for purposes of cleaning and is associated with an improved &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;no container, no fill&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; device for locking the valve in closed, non-dispensing position.

I United States Patent 11 1 11 1 Stigler Oct. 15, 1974 [54] CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE I 3,580,302 5/l97l Riesenberg 141/141 [75] Inventor: Joseph T. Stigler, Rochester, NY.

Primary Examinerl-louston S. Bell, Jr. Asslgneei Rostgo lmematlonal -a Assistant Examiner-Frederick R. Schmidt Tonawanda, Attorney, Agent, or FirmBean & Bean [22] Filed: May 10, 1973 21 Appl. No.2 358,851 [571 ABSTRACT I Related U S Application Dam A container filling machine including a revolving asi c f f N 2M 073 D 30 1971 sernbly having a plurality of dispensing devices for me- I 8 a z o 1 termg a flowable product from a common tank to conone tainers movable with the assembly. Each dispensing device includes a pump and a valve for alternately [52] Cl 141/142 141/143 6 connecting the pump to the tank and to an associated [51] Int Cl B65) 57/02 container; the valve and associated feed conduits of [58] Fie'ld 4l/l37 147 the tank and pump being constructed to afford an es- 1 41/1 50 48. 222/168 sentlally constant area flow path between the tank and the pump. The valve is readily disconnected from the 417/518 519 revolving assembly for purposes of cleaning and is associated with an improved no container, no fill de- [56] uNlTE g g ia lfgs gz rENTs vice for locking the valve in closed, non-dispensing position. 3,073,359 1/1963 Albrecht et al 141/142 3,097,672 7/1963 Minard 141 142 15 Clalms, 8 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDBBT 1 51914 3,841,383

SHEET 10F 4 3 Q INVENTOR. g i\ JOSEPH ZSTIGLER @waw ATTORNEYS PAENIE HEI 1 51974 SHEET 2 OF 4 INVENTOR J05EPH 757/615,?

ATTORNEYS minim m 3.941.363

SHEET 8 OF 4 um-M JOSEPH T5776 LER ATTORNEYS CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 214,073, filed Dec. 30, 1971, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the container filling art and more particularly to improvements for use in machines intended to fill containers with a specific volume of a flowable product.

Machines of the type with which the present invention possesses utility conventionally include a revolving assembly having a plurality of dispensing devices for metering a flowable product from a common tank to container movable with the assembly. Each dispensing device comprises a pump having a piston whose pump charging and discharging movements are controlled by engagement with a rail or cam rigid with a stationary frame of the machine; and a valve for alternately connecting the pump to the tank and to an associated discharge orifice through which the product is discharged into a container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved valve and valve operating arrangement for use with dispensing devices employed in specific volume type container filling machines.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved no container, no fill device for locking the valve in closed, non-dispensing position.

DRAWINGS The nature and mode of operation of the present invention is more fully described in the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a filling machine employing the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 22 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the area designate as FIG. 3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area designated as FIG. 4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along line 55 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken generally along line 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a view taken generally along line 7-7 in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a sectionalized view of the area designated as FIG. 8 in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Reference is now made particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein a container filling machine embodying the present invention is designated as 10 and shown as generally including a base portion 12 and revolving assembly 14 supported by the base portion for rotation in the direction indicated by arrow 13 in FIG. 1. Empty containers may befed to the machine by any suitable delivery mechanism 16, such as may for example include an infeed worm l8 deliverying to an infeed star wheel and filled containers may be discharged from the machine by any suitable means such as discharge conveyor mechanism 22.

Base portion 12 is shown as including a machine mounting and drive enclosure 24 from which usptands a stationary, centrally disposed hollow column 26 and four corner support standards or columns 28-31. As shown in FIG. 3, column 26 serves to mount a stationary, container supporting or transport assembly, which includes a pair of upwardly facing support rails 34 and a side guide rail 36. Rails 34 and 36 extend between infeed star wheel 20 and discharge mechanism 22 and cooperate with assembly 14 to effect transfer of containers therebetween in the manner to be hereinafter described.

Again referring to FIG. 1, it will be understood that columns 28-31 are employed to support machine operational cycle control cams, which serve to divide each full rotational cycle of assembly 14 or operational cycle of the machine into First Dwell, Charging, Second Dwell and Discharge portions or zones arranged annularly of the machine. More specifically, a discontinuous upper or valve control cam rail 38 is supported adjacent opposite ends thereof by a pair of standard mounted, generally U-shaped brackets 40 to extend annularly of the machine in the direction of assembly rotation from the First Dwell portion to the Second Dwell portion. Standards 28-31 additionally serve to support a lower or pump control cam assembly 41, which includes a continuous lower cam rail 42 and a discontinuous upper cam rail 44; the latter extending in the direction of assembly rotation from the Second Dwell portion to the First Dwell portion. Cam rails 42 and 44 are carried intermediate the upper and lower ends of standards 28 and 29 by a pair of hinge assemblies 48 for vertical swinging movement, as indicated by arrow 50 in FIG. 2, under the control of a pair of suitably constructed adjusting devices 52, which are carried by standards 30 and 31 and drivingly interconnected by a coupling shaft 54. Desired spacing between cam rails 42 and 44 may be maintained by brackets 56.

Revolving assembly 14 is shown in the drawings as including a driven supporting column 60, which is arranged to extend upwardly through base portion column 26 and serves to support a drive ring device 62 and a product storage-dispensing assembly 64. As will be apparent from viewing FIG. 2, drive ring device 62 is formed with a plurality of pockets or recesses 66, which open radially outwardly towards side guide 36 for the purpose of receiving containers 68 and for transporting same over guide rails 34 between infeed star wheel 20 and discharge mechanism 22.

Product storage-dispensing assembly 64 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as including a cylindrical, upwardly open tank 70 for storing the product with which containers 68 are to be filled and a plurality of dispensing devices 72, which serve to withdraw specific volume charges of product from the tank, during the Charging portion of the operational cycle, and subsequently discharge the thus formed charges into containers 68, during the Discharge portion of such operational cycle. While the number of dispensing devices 72 provided in a given machine may vary, it will of course be appreciated that such devices correspond in number to pockets 66 and are disposed for movement in vertical registration therewith.

Now specifically referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, it will be seen that each of dispensing devices 72 includes a pump assembly 74 and a valve assembly 76 for alternately placing the pump in fluid communication with tank via an infeed passageway 78 formed in tank associated mounting rim 80 and an associated discharge device, such as may for example be defined by a: discharge orifice plate 82 threadably attached to the valve assembly.

Pump assembly 74 includes a mounting base portion 84, which defines an outfeed passageway 86; an upstanding open ended pump cylinder 88, which is formed with a vertically extending wall slot 90 and removably fixed to base portion 84, as by bolts 92; and a pump piston 94, which is fluid seal fitted within cylinder 88 for vertical reciprocating movements. Piston 94 carries a bracket 96 adjacent its upper end, which bracket extends in a slide fitted relationship outwardly through slot 90 to position a suitable follower, such as roller 98, for engagement with cam rails 42 and 44.

Valve assembly 76 includes a valve seat portion 100, which defines a vertically extending through bore opening 102 having vertically spaced infeed and outfeed ports 104 and 106 disposed in flow communication with infeed and outfeed passageways 78 and 86, respectively; and a valve stem portion 108. Valve stem portion 108 is received through the opening 102 for vertical movement between first and second positions, wherein its lower or head end portion 110 is arranged adjacent to and remote from discharge orifice plate 82, as shownin FIGS. 4 and 3, respectively. Valve seat portion and mounting base portion 84 may be removably connected to each other and/or directly to mount ing rim 80 by bolts 112. Suitable fluid sealing devices, such as O-rings 113, may be provided to seal the joints between cylinder 88, base portion 84, valve seat portion 100 and rim 80.

Head end portion is formed with a transversely extending passageway 114, which in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is of essentially uniform cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of ports 104 and 106 and their associated passageways 78 and 86, respectively. By this arrangement, there may be established, when valve stem portion is in its first position, a minimum resistance-turbulence flow passage for connecting tank 70 and pump cylinder 88. This insures uniform (specific volume) filling or charging of the pump cylinder when pump piston 94 is moved upwardly during the Charging portion of the operational cycle, due to engagement of cam rail 42 with roller 98. When valve stem portion 108 is in its second position, the opposite ends of passageway 114 are blocked by valve seat portion 100, and head end portion 110 is raised sufficiently to block infeed port 104 and place outfeed port 106 in flow communication with discharge orifice plate 82, whereby to permit discharge of a product charge from cylinder 88 into a container 68, when pump piston 94 is moved downwardly during the Discharge portion of the operational cycle, due to engagement of cam rail 44 with roller 98. It will be understood that under all operating conditions cam rails 42 and 44 are arranged, such that the lower ends of pump pistons 94 are not driven into engagement with base portions 84 at their low point, which occurs during the First Dwell portion, and are not raised to the level of cylinder wall slots 90 at their high point, which occurs during the Second Dwell portion. Also, it will be understood that by adjustments of devices 52, the high point of the lower ends of pump pistons 94 may be vertically adjusted in order to selectively vary the volume of the product charges formed in their associated cylinders.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, it will be seen that the upper part of valve stem portion 108 includes a lower rod 120, which is movably joined to head end portion 110, as for instance by a ball and socket connection 122; an intermediate rod 124, which has its lower end joined to lower rod by a quick disconnect coupling 126; and an upper rod 128, which has its lower end formed with an axially extending bore opening 130 for freey receiving intermediate rod 124 for limited vertical reciprocating movement, as determined by pin-slot connection 132. A coil type compression spring 134 is arranged within bore opening 130 in order to normally bias intermediate rod 124 downwardly relative to upper rod 128 into the position shown in FIG. 5.

As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, upper rod 128 is constrained for vertical reciprocating movements within a through opening 136, which is defined by a mounting bracket 138 attached to a tank rim mounted manifold 140, as by bolts 142.

The upper end of upper rod 128 carries a U-shaped bracket 144 for mounting a valve control cam rail follower, such as roller 146; and a connector plate 148 for attaching the upper rod for movement with the upper end of a piston shaft 150, which is in turn supported for vertical reciprocating movements by a cylinder 152. Cylinder 152 may be fixed adjacent its upper end to mounting bracket 138, as by bolts 154, and have its lower end end arranged in flow communication with a distributing passageway 156 of manifold by a tube 158. Passageway 156, whch is connected with a source of pressurized air by any suitable means, not shown, serves to continuously supply pressurized air to all of cylinders 152, whereby to normally bias or move their associated pistons upwardly into their fully extended positions, as determined by cylinder carried abutments or stops, not shown. Thus, air supplied to cylinders 152 tends to continuously bias their associated valve stem portions 108 into their second positions, which may be determined and adjustably varied by adjustments of the above referred to cylinder abutments and/or the point of attachment of connector plates 148 to piston shafts 150. As will be apparent from viewing FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, engagement of cam rails 38 with rollers 146 serves to maintain their associated valve stem portions in their first positions, during the Charging portion of the operational cycle against such pneumatic bias. Curved or transition cam plates 160 and l62,which are connected to opposite ends of cam rail 38 in the First Dwell and Second Dwell portions, respectively, serve to control movement of the valve stem portions between their second and first positions.

While each of the valve stem portions 108 is driven into its first position by engagement of cam rail 38 with its associated roller 146, such position is preferably determined by engagement of the lower end of head end portion 110 with orifice plate 82, in order to insure that all of the product charge is discharged from valve seat portion 100. Further, this permits slight adjustments of the orifice plate relative to valve seat portion 100 to be employed to effect accurate alignment of passageway 114 with ports 104 and 106. Pin-slot connection 132 and spring 134 compensate for inaccuracies in the installation of cam rail 38 and adjustments of orifice plate 82 and permit proper seating of head end portion 110.

Quick disconnect device 126 is best shown in FIG. 5 as including a partially open ended retainer sleeve 170, which is normally supported in its full line coupled position by engagement with upper rod carried annular flange 172; and horizontally inter-fitted tongue and groove connectors 174 and 176 carried by lower rod 120 and intermediate rod 124, respectively. When retainer sleeve 170 is in its coupled position, it serves to prevent horizontal uncoupling movements of connector 174 relative to connector 176, whereby to retain the connectors in vertical motion transmitting association. However, when retainer sleeve is manually lifted into its phantom line uncoupling position, connector 174 is freed for horizontal uncoupling movements, such movements being permitted relative to head end portion 110 by ball and socket connection 122. By this arrangement, head end portion 110 may be quickly removed from the machine for purposes of cleaning, repair or replacement.

The present machine also features an improved no container, no fill or valve disabling assembly for positively locking valve stem portions 108 in their first positions, when containers are not presented for receipt of the product charges. The disabling assembly comprises a plurality of latch devices 180 carried one in association with each of mounting brackets 138, and a single latch device operator 181, which is supported by standard 31 for operation within the Second Dwell portion of the operational cycle.

Now referring particularly to FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, it will be seen that each of latch devices 180 comprises a pivot shaft 182, which is rotatably supported by mounting bracket 138; a shaft movement friction brake, which is arranged within mounting bracket bore opening 184 and includes a shaft engaging brake shoe 186, a shoe biasing coil type compression spring 188 and spring adjustment set screw 190; a generally U-shaped follower member 192 and stop lug 194. Follower member 192 is fixed to an end of shaft 182, which projects outwardly of mounting bracket 138, whereas stop lug 194 is fixed to shaft 182 within mounting bracket cavity 196 for cooperation with a side opening notch 198 formed in upper rod 128. When the upper leg portion 192a of follower member 192 is arranged essentially horizontal, as shown in full line in FIG. 5, it is in its release position and stop lug 194 is removed from upper rod-notch 198 and arranged in its vertically disposed or release position shown in phantom line in FIG. 8. However, when valve stem portion 108 is in its first position, follower member 192 may be pivoted by operator 181 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 5, into a constraining position, wherein its lower leg portion 19212 is in an essentially horizontal position and stop lug 194 is moved into notch 198, as indicated in full line in FIG. 8. Engagement of stop lug 194 within notch 198 serves to prevent movement of valve stem portion 108 into its second position when its associated roller 146 is removed from engagement with cam rail 38 at the completion of the Second Dwell portion of the operational cycle. The sole purpose of the friction brake is to prevent machine vibrations from producing unintended rotations of shaft 182 from the rotational position into which it is placed by operator 181 via follower member 192.

Operator 181 is shown as including a standard mounted bracket 200; a fluid operated cylinder having a cylinder casing 202 fixed to bracket 200 and a piston rod 204; and a two part cam assembly including a link 208, and a generally U-shaped cam member 210 having relatively spaced, upper and lower arms 210a and 210b, which define facing, convex cam surfaces 210a and 210b', respectively. Link 208 and cam member 210 are mounted on bracket 200 for independent pivotal movements by a common pivot pin 212; link 208 also being movably connected to the extending end of piston rod 204 by a pin-slot connection 214 and to cam member 210 by a pair of relative movement opposing, coil type compression springs 216. Springs 216 serve as a cushion for cam member 210 when either of its arms 210a and 21% are engaged by follower 192 in the manner to be described.

It will be understood that piston 204 is normally disposed in the fully extended position, shown in full line in FIG. 6, whereby to arrange upper cam arm 2100 in an essentially horizontal position and to arrange cam surfaces 210a and 2l0b' relative to follower member 192 in the manner shown in FIG. 7. When the cam surfaces are thus positioned, all of follower members 192 will pass therebetween without being subject to rotation, if such members are in their normal or release positions. However, if one of the follower members is in its constraining position when presented to operator 181, its upper leg portion 192a will engage with cam surface 210a and be forced downwardly thereby to return the follower member to its release position.

When a follower member passing from operator 181 is in its release position, its associated dispensing device 72 is freed to perform in its normal manner during a following cycle of machine operation. Thus, immediately after an empty container is properly presented thereto during the Second Dwell portion, its associated roller 146 rolls out of contact with transition cam plate 162 to permit its associated valve stem device to be biased into its second position. This connects pump 74 for discharge through orifice plate 82 into the properly present container; such discharge continuing from the pump throughout the Discharge portion of the operational cycle and being completed relative to product left between the lower end of head end portion and the discharge orifice plate 82, when the valve stem portion is returned to its first position by transition cam plate duirng the First Dwell portion of the operational cycle. During the Charging portion of the operational cycle, during which pump 74 is again filled with product, the now filled container is discharged from the machine via mechanism 22.

As in conventional disabling assemblies, operation of operator 181 is controlled by a suitable sensing system, not shown, which includes a container presence sensor arranged for instance adjacent star wheel 20 for the purpose of scanning the path of travel of containers to the machine synchroneously with rotational movements of assembly 14. If the absence of a container is noted, piston 204 is retracted to position cam member 210 in its phantom line position shown in FIG. 6 immediately before the cam follower of the dispenser with which the missing container was to be associated is rotated into radial alignment with operator 181. Then as such cam follower is moved between cam surfaces 210a and 210b', it is rotated by cam surface 21% into its constraining position illustrated in phantom line in FIG. in order to position its associated stop lug in its constraining position illustrated in full line in FIG. 8. Brake shoe 186 serves to restrain the stop lug in its constraining position until operator 181 returns same to its release position during a subsequent rotational cycle of the machine. Of course, during the period of machine rotation that a given stop lug is in constraining position, its associate valve stem portion is locked in its first position, whereby pump 74 is maintained in flow communication with tank 70 during both Discharge and Charging portions of the operational cycle.

I claim:

1. In a rotary type container filling machine having a source of flowable product to be dispensed, pump means, valve means having a first condition for placing said pump means in flow communication with said source during a pump means charging portion of the operational cycle of the machine and having a second condition for placing said pump means in flow communication with a product discharge means during a pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle, and means for disabling said valve means whereby to prevent said valve means from placing said pump means in flow communication with said product discharge means when no container is positioned for receipt of said product from said discharge means during said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle, the improvement comprising in combination:

means for continuously biasing said valve means from said first condition into said second condition;

means operable during said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle for maintaining said valve means in said first condition against said bias; and

said disabling means constrains said valve means in said first condition against said bias during said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle when no container is positioned for receipt of product from said discharge means.

2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein said operable means includes guide means fixed to said machine and a guide follower coupled with said valve means, and said biasing means includes a fluid cylinder, said fluid cylinder biasing said follower for movement in a first direction from a first position wherein said valve means is in said first condition to a second position wherein said valve means is in said second condition, said guide means being arranged for engagement by said follower whereby to move said follower into said first position at the completion of said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle and to retain same in said first position thereof during said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle.

3. A machine according to claim 2, wherein said valve means includes a valve seat portion and a valve stem portion, said follower being carried by said valve stem portion and said fluid cylinder biasing said valve stem portion to move in said first direction.

4. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said disabling means includes a latch means and a latch means operating means for selectively moving said latch means between a normal release position and a constraining position when said valve means is in said first condition, said latch means when in constraining position engaging said valve stem portion to prevent movement thereof in said first direction whereby to retain said valve means in said first condition.

5. A machine according to claim 4, wherein said valve stem portion is mounted for vertical reciprocating movements under the control of said fluid cylinder and said guide means, said latch means includes a latch follower member, a stop lug, a shaft for fixedly mounting said latch follower member and said stop lug for vertical pivotal movements about an essentially horizontally disposed axis between said release and constraining positions and a friction brake means for normally retaining said latch follower member and said stop lug in either of said positions thereof; said valve stem portion having a side opening recess arranged when said valve means is in said first condition to removably receive said stop lug when moved into said constraining position, and said latch means operating means includes a pair of cam surfaces and means to selectively position said cam surfaces for engagement with said latch follower member once during each said operational cycle when said valve means is in said condition, whereby to move said stop lug between said positions thereof as determined by the presence or absence of a container to be positioned for receipt of said product.

6. A machine according to claim 1, wherein said valve means includes valve seat means and valve stem means, said valve seat means defining a through opening communicating adjacent one end thereof with said discharge means, said opening receiving said valve stem means through an opposite end thereof for reciprocating movements between first and second positions wherein a head end portion of said valve stem means is arranged adjacent to and remote from said one end, respectively, an infeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said source and an outfeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said pump means, said ports being spaced apart lengthwise of the path of reciprocation of said valve stem means, said valve stem means having a transversely extending passageway of essentially uniform cross-sectional area corresponding to the crosssectional areas of said ports, whereby when said valve stem means is in said first position said head end portion blocks said discharge means and opposite ends of said passageway are arranged in flow communication with said ports, and whereby when said valve stem means is in said second position said head end portion is arranged intermediate said ports lengthwise of said opening whereby to block said infeed port and to place said outfeed port in communication with said discharge means and to block opposite ends of said passageway by walls of said opening.

7. A machine according to claim 6, wherein said operable means includes guide means fixed to said machine and a guide follower coupled with said valve stem means adjacent an end thereof remote from said head end portion, said biasing means includes a fluid cylinder for biasing said follower for movement in a first direction to move said valve stem means from said first position towards said second position, said guide means being arranged for engagement by said follower whereby to move said valve stem means into said first position at the completion of said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle and to retain said valve stem means in said first position thereof during said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle, said discharge means includes a discharge aperture defining member adjustably fixed to said valve seat means to close said one end of said valve seat means opening, said head end portion being driven into abutting engagement with said aperture defining member when said valve means is in said first condition whereby to permit said aperture defining member to define said first position of said valve stem means wherein said ends of said passageway are aligned with said ports, said valve stem means includes at least two axially aligned parts and spring means, said two parts being coupled at opposite ends thereof to said guide follower and said head end portion and coupled at adjacent ends thereof for relative movement between extended and contracted positions in alignment with the direction of said reciprocating movement, and said spring means normally biases said parts axially apart into said extended position, while permitting relative movement of said parts towards said contracted position when said head end portion is driven into engagement with said aperture defining means.

8. A machine according to claim 7, wherein said part coupled to said head end portion is of a two element construction and a quick disconnect coupling is provided to removably interconnect said two elements, a first of said elements being coupled to the guide follower coupled part and a second of said elements being coupled by a ball and socket connection to said head end portion, said quick disconnect coupling incuding tongue and groove portions carried on adjacent ends of said elements for uncoupling movement in a direction transversely of the path of reciprocation of said valve stem means and sleeve means for releasably constraining said tongue and groove portions from said uncoupling movement,

9. In a rotary type container filling machine having a source of flowable product to be dispensed by a plurality of dispensing units each including pump means, valve means and discharge means, said valve means having a first condition for placing its associated pump means in a flow communication with said source during pump means charging portion of the operational cycle of the machine whereby to permit said pump means to withdraw a charge of product from said source and having a second condition for placing its associated pump means in flow communication with its associated product discharge means during a pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle whereby to permit said pump means to discharge said charge of product through said discharge means, and means for moving said dispensing units in association with containers to'be filled during said operational cycle, the improvement comprising in combination:

each said valve means includes a valve seat portion and a valve stem portion mounted for reciprocating movements relative to said seat portion, said seat portion carrying its associated discharge means;

means for continuously biasing said valve stem portion for movement in a first direction from a first positon wherein said valve means is in said first condition into a second position wherein said valve means is in said second condition; and

means operable to releasably maintain said valve means in said first condition against said bias, said operable means including a guide rail non-movably fixed to said machine and a guide follower carried one by each of said valve stem portions, said guide rail being arranged for releasable engagement by said follower whereby to move said valve stem portion against said bias into said first position to complete said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle and to retain said valve stem portion in said first position during said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle and to release said valve stem portion for movement in said first direction under the control of said bias means at the completion of said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle.

10. A machine according to claim 9, wherein said discharge means is a discharge aperture defining plate member, said valve seat portion defines a vertically extending through opening closed adjacent a lower end thereof by said plate member, said opening receiving said valve stem portion through an upper end thereof for vertical reciprocating movements between said first and second positions wherein a head end portion carried adjacent a lower end of said valve stem portion is arranged in discharge aperture closing engagement with and remote from said plate member respectively, an infeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said source and an outfeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said pump means, said head end portion when in discharge aperture closing engagement with said plate member placing said ports in flow communication and when remote from said plate member placing said outfeed port in flow communication with said plate member and blocking said infeed port, and said head end portion when moved from a position remote relative to said plate member into engagement therewith successively closing said outfeed port and forcing essentially all product accumulated between said outfeed port and said plate member through the discharge aperture of said plate member.

11. A machine according to claim 10 wherein said infeed and said outfeed ports are spaced apart in a direction lengthwise of said opening, said head end portion is formed with a transversely extending passageway for placing said ports in flow communication when said valve stem portion is in said first position, said passageway being of essentially uniform cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional areas of said ports, said plate member is adjustably carried on said valve seat portion to accurately position said passageway in flow alignment with said ports when said head end portion is in engagement therewith, said valve stem portion includes at least two axially aligned parts and spring means, said two parts being coupled at opposite ends thereof to said guide follower and said head end portion respectively and coupled at adjacent ends thereof for relative movement between extended and contracted positions in alignment with the direction of said reciprocating movement, and said spring means normally biases said parts axially apart into said extended position, while permitting relative movement of said parts towards said contracted position when said head end portion is moved into engagement with said plate member.

12. A machine according to claim 11, wherein said part coupled to said head end portion is of a two element construction and a quick disconnect coupling is provided to removably interconnect said two elements, a first of said elements being coupled to the guide follower coupled part and a second of said elements being coupled by a ball and socket connection to said head end portion, said quick disconnect coupling including tongue and groove portions carried on adjacent ends of said elements for uncoupling movement in an essentially horizontal direction transversely of the path of reciprocation of said valve stem portion and sleeve means for releasably constraining said tongue and groove portions from said uncoupling movement.

13. In a rotary type container filling machine having a tank for storing flowable product to be dispensed by a plurality of dispensing units each including pump means, valve means and discharge means, said valve means having a first condition for placing its associated pump means in a flow communication with said tank during a pump means charging portion of the operational cycle of the machine whereby to permit said pump means to withdraw a charge of product from said tank and having a second condition for placing its associated pump means in flow communication with its associated product discharge means during a pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle whereby to permit said pump means to discharge said charge of product through said discharge means, and means for moving said dispensing units in association with containers to be filled, during said operational cycle, the improvement comprising in combination:

each said valve means includes a valve seat portion and a valve stem portion, said valve seat portion being disposed exteriorally of said tank and having a vertically extending through opening communicating adjacent a lower end thereof with said discharge means, an infeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said tank and an outfeed port, arranged vertically intermediate said infeed port and said lower end, for connecting said opening with said pump means, said stern portion being disposed exteriorally of said tank for vertically directed reciprocating movements relative to said seat portion, said stem portion having a lower portion thereof extending downwardly through an upper end of said opening, said lower portion carrying a head end portion slideably received within said opening for vertical sliding movement between first and second positions wherein said head end portion is disposed adjacent to and remote from said lower end and said valve means is in said first and second conditions, respectively, said head end portion being formed with a transversely extending passageway for placing said ports in flow communication when said head end portion is in said first position, said passageway being of essentially uniform cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional areas of said ports, said head end portion when in said second position placing said outfeed port in flow communication with said lower end and blocking said infeed port, said head end portion when moved from said second position to said first position successively closing said outfeed port and forcing essentially all product accumulated between said outfeed port and said lower end through said lower end;

means for constraining an upper portion of said stem portion for vertical reciprocating movements; and

means for imparting vertical reciprocating movements to said upper portion, whereby to move said head end portion between said first and second positions.

14. A machine according to claim 13, wherein said lower portion of said stem portion is coupled to said upper portion by a quick disconnect coupling, said quick disconnect coupling including tongue and groove portions carried on adjacent ends of said upper and lower portions for uncoupling movement in an essentially horizontal direction transversely of the path of reciprocating movement of said valve stem portion and means for releasably constraining said tongue and groove portions from said uncoupling movement, and said lower portion of said stem portion is movably joined to said head end portion for permitting said uncoupling movement of said adjacent end of said lower portion relative to said adjacent end of said upper portion.

15. A machine according to claim 13, wherein said discharge means is a discharge aperture defining plate member threadably fixed to said seat portion, and said head end portion is disposed in engagement with said plate member when in said first position thereof. 

1. In a rotary type container filling machine having a source of flowable product to be dispensed, pump means, valve means having a first condition for placing said pump means in flow communication with said source during a pump means charging portion of the operational cycle of the machine and having a second condition for placing said pump means in flow communication with a product discharge means during a pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle, and means for disabling said valve means whereby to prevent said valve means from placing said pump means in flow communication with said product discharge means when no container is positioned for receipt of said product from said discharge means during said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle, the improvement comprising in combination: means for continuously biasing said valve means from said first condition into said second condition; means operable during said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle for maintaining said valve means in said first condition against said bias; and said disabling means constrains said valve means in said first condition against said bias during said pump means dischargecontainer filling portion of said operational cycle when no container is positioned for receipt of product from said discharge means.
 2. A machine according to claim 1, wherein said operable means includes guide means fixed to said machine and a guide follower coupled with said valve means, and said biasing means includes a fluid cylinder, said fluid cylinder biasing said follower for moVement in a first direction from a first position wherein said valve means is in said first condition to a second position wherein said valve means is in said second condition, said guide means being arranged for engagement by said follower whereby to move said follower into said first position at the completion of said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle and to retain same in said first position thereof during said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle.
 3. A machine according to claim 2, wherein said valve means includes a valve seat portion and a valve stem portion, said follower being carried by said valve stem portion and said fluid cylinder biasing said valve stem portion to move in said first direction.
 4. A machine according to claim 3, wherein said disabling means includes a latch means and a latch means operating means for selectively moving said latch means between a normal release position and a constraining position when said valve means is in said first condition, said latch means when in constraining position engaging said valve stem portion to prevent movement thereof in said first direction whereby to retain said valve means in said first condition.
 5. A machine according to claim 4, wherein said valve stem portion is mounted for vertical reciprocating movements under the control of said fluid cylinder and said guide means, said latch means includes a latch follower member, a stop lug, a shaft for fixedly mounting said latch follower member and said stop lug for vertical pivotal movements about an essentially horizontally disposed axis between said release and constraining positions and a friction brake means for normally retaining said latch follower member and said stop lug in either of said positions thereof, said valve stem portion having a side opening recess arranged when said valve means is in said first condition to removably receive said stop lug when moved into said constraining position, and said latch means operating means includes a pair of cam surfaces and means to selectively position said cam surfaces for engagement with said latch follower member once during each said operational cycle when said valve means is in said condition, whereby to move said stop lug between said positions thereof as determined by the presence or absence of a container to be positioned for receipt of said product.
 6. A machine according to claim 1, wherein said valve means includes valve seat means and valve stem means, said valve seat means defining a through opening communicating adjacent one end thereof with said discharge means, said opening receiving said valve stem means through an opposite end thereof for reciprocating movements between first and second positions wherein a head end portion of said valve stem means is arranged adjacent to and remote from said one end, respectively, an infeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said source and an outfeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said pump means, said ports being spaced apart lengthwise of the path of reciprocation of said valve stem means, said valve stem means having a transversely extending passageway of essentially uniform cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional areas of said ports, whereby when said valve stem means is in said first position said head end portion blocks said discharge means and opposite ends of said passageway are arranged in flow communication with said ports, and whereby when said valve stem means is in said second position said head end portion is arranged intermediate said ports lengthwise of said opening whereby to block said infeed port and to place said outfeed port in communication with said discharge means and to block opposite ends of said passageway by walls of said opening.
 7. A machine according to claim 6, wherein said operable means includes guide means fixed to said machine and a guide follower coupled with said valve stem means adjacent an End thereof remote from said head end portion, said biasing means includes a fluid cylinder for biasing said follower for movement in a first direction to move said valve stem means from said first position towards said second position, said guide means being arranged for engagement by said follower whereby to move said valve stem means into said first position at the completion of said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle and to retain said valve stem means in said first position thereof during said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle, said discharge means includes a discharge aperture defining member adjustably fixed to said valve seat means to close said one end of said valve seat means opening, said head end portion being driven into abutting engagement with said aperture defining member when said valve means is in said first condition whereby to permit said aperture defining member to define said first position of said valve stem means wherein said ends of said passageway are aligned with said ports, said valve stem means includes at least two axially aligned parts and spring means, said two parts being coupled at opposite ends thereof to said guide follower and said head end portion and coupled at adjacent ends thereof for relative movement between extended and contracted positions in alignment with the direction of said reciprocating movement, and said spring means normally biases said parts axially apart into said extended position, while permitting relative movement of said parts towards said contracted position when said head end portion is driven into engagement with said aperture defining means.
 8. A machine according to claim 7, wherein said part coupled to said head end portion is of a two element construction and a quick disconnect coupling is provided to removably interconnect said two elements, a first of said elements being coupled to the guide follower coupled part and a second of said elements being coupled by a ball and socket connection to said head end portion, said quick disconnect coupling incuding tongue and groove portions carried on adjacent ends of said elements for uncoupling movement in a direction transversely of the path of reciprocation of said valve stem means and sleeve means for releasably constraining said tongue and groove portions from said uncoupling movement.
 9. In a rotary type container filling machine having a source of flowable product to be dispensed by a plurality of dispensing units each including pump means, valve means and discharge means, said valve means having a first condition for placing its associated pump means in a flow communication with said source during pump means charging portion of the operational cycle of the machine whereby to permit said pump means to withdraw a charge of product from said source and having a second condition for placing its associated pump means in flow communication with its associated product discharge means during a pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle whereby to permit said pump means to discharge said charge of product through said discharge means, and means for moving said dispensing units in association with containers to be filled during said operational cycle, the improvement comprising in combination: each said valve means includes a valve seat portion and a valve stem portion mounted for reciprocating movements relative to said seat portion, said seat portion carrying its associated discharge means; means for continuously biasing said valve stem portion for movement in a first direction from a first positon wherein said valve means is in said first condition into a second position wherein said valve means is in said second condition; and means operable to releasably maintain said valve means in said first condition against said bias, said operable means including a guide rail non-movably fixed to said machine and a guide follower carried one by each of said valve stem poRtions, said guide rail being arranged for releasable engagement by said follower whereby to move said valve stem portion against said bias into said first position to complete said pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle and to retain said valve stem portion in said first position during said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle and to release said valve stem portion for movement in said first direction under the control of said bias means at the completion of said pump means charging portion of said operational cycle.
 10. A machine according to claim 9, wherein said discharge means is a discharge aperture defining plate member, said valve seat portion defines a vertically extending through opening closed adjacent a lower end thereof by said plate member, said opening receiving said valve stem portion through an upper end thereof for vertical reciprocating movements between said first and second positions wherein a head end portion carried adjacent a lower end of said valve stem portion is arranged in discharge aperture closing engagement with and remote from said plate member respectively, an infeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said source and an outfeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said pump means, said head end portion when in discharge aperture closing engagement with said plate member placing said ports in flow communication and when remote from said plate member placing said outfeed port in flow communication with said plate member and blocking said infeed port, and said head end portion when moved from a position remote relative to said plate member into engagement therewith successively closing said outfeed port and forcing essentially all product accumulated between said outfeed port and said plate member through the discharge aperture of said plate member.
 11. A machine according to claim 10 wherein said infeed and said outfeed ports are spaced apart in a direction lengthwise of said opening, said head end portion is formed with a transversely extending passageway for placing said ports in flow communication when said valve stem portion is in said first position, said passageway being of essentially uniform cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional areas of said ports, said plate member is adjustably carried on said valve seat portion to accurately position said passageway in flow alignment with said ports when said head end portion is in engagement therewith, said valve stem portion includes at least two axially aligned parts and spring means, said two parts being coupled at opposite ends thereof to said guide follower and said head end portion respectively and coupled at adjacent ends thereof for relative movement between extended and contracted positions in alignment with the direction of said reciprocating movement, and said spring means normally biases said parts axially apart into said extended position, while permitting relative movement of said parts towards said contracted position when said head end portion is moved into engagement with said plate member.
 12. A machine according to claim 11, wherein said part coupled to said head end portion is of a two element construction and a quick disconnect coupling is provided to removably interconnect said two elements, a first of said elements being coupled to the guide follower coupled part and a second of said elements being coupled by a ball and socket connection to said head end portion, said quick disconnect coupling including tongue and groove portions carried on adjacent ends of said elements for uncoupling movement in an essentially horizontal direction transversely of the path of reciprocation of said valve stem portion and sleeve means for releasably constraining said tongue and groove portions from said uncoupling movement.
 13. In a rotary type container filling machine having a tank for storing flowable product to be dispensed by a plurality of dispensing units eAch including pump means, valve means and discharge means, said valve means having a first condition for placing its associated pump means in a flow communication with said tank during a pump means charging portion of the operational cycle of the machine whereby to permit said pump means to withdraw a charge of product from said tank and having a second condition for placing its associated pump means in flow communication with its associated product discharge means during a pump means discharge-container filling portion of said operational cycle whereby to permit said pump means to discharge said charge of product through said discharge means, and means for moving said dispensing units in association with containers to be filled, during said operational cycle, the improvement comprising in combination: each said valve means includes a valve seat portion and a valve stem portion, said valve seat portion being disposed exteriorally of said tank and having a vertically extending through opening communicating adjacent a lower end thereof with said discharge means, an infeed port for connecting said opening intermediate its ends with said tank and an outfeed port, arranged vertically intermediate said infeed port and said lower end, for connecting said opening with said pump means, said stem portion being disposed exteriorally of said tank for vertically directed reciprocating movements relative to said seat portion, said stem portion having a lower portion thereof extending downwardly through an upper end of said opening, said lower portion carrying a head end portion slideably received within said opening for vertical sliding movement between first and second positions wherein said head end portion is disposed adjacent to and remote from said lower end and said valve means is in said first and second conditions, respectively, said head end portion being formed with a transversely extending passageway for placing said ports in flow communication when said head end portion is in said first position, said passageway being of essentially uniform cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional areas of said ports, said head end portion when in said second position placing said outfeed port in flow communication with said lower end and blocking said infeed port, said head end portion when moved from said second position to said first position successively closing said outfeed port and forcing essentially all product accumulated between said outfeed port and said lower end through said lower end; means for constraining an upper portion of said stem portion for vertical reciprocating movements; and means for imparting vertical reciprocating movements to said upper portion, whereby to move said head end portion between said first and second positions.
 14. A machine according to claim 13, wherein said lower portion of said stem portion is coupled to said upper portion by a quick disconnect coupling, said quick disconnect coupling including tongue and groove portions carried on adjacent ends of said upper and lower portions for uncoupling movement in an essentially horizontal direction transversely of the path of reciprocating movement of said valve stem portion and means for releasably constraining said tongue and groove portions from said uncoupling movement, and said lower portion of said stem portion is movably joined to said head end portion for permitting said uncoupling movement of said adjacent end of said lower portion relative to said adjacent end of said upper portion.
 15. A machine according to claim 13, wherein said discharge means is a discharge aperture defining plate member threadably fixed to said seat portion, and said head end portion is disposed in engagement with said plate member when in said first position thereof. 